City of Topeka, KS

07/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/25/2024 12:27

City of Topeka announces public input sessions for police chief selection

The City of Topeka has scheduled three public input sessions to gather community perspectives and priorities for the selection of Topeka's next police chief. These in-person sessions will allow residents to share their ideas directly with the city manager. Interpretation services will be available. Details of the sessions are as follows:

Public Input Session #1

  • Thursday, August 1, 2024
  • 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, located at 1515 SW 10th Ave, Marvin Auditorium 101B

Public Input Session #2

  • Friday, August 2, 2024
  • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Cyrus K. Holliday Building, located at 620 SE Madison St, First Floor Conference room

Public Input Session #3

  • Saturday, August 3, 2024
  • 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Hi-Crest CRC Care Center 455 SE Golf Park

The information gathered from the community survey and public input sessions will be used to update the job description for the police chief position. The selection process, led by an executive recruiter, will include several interview panels made up of councilmembers, law enforcement officials, and community members, media interviews and a public meet-and-greet before the final appointment of the new chief. Additional details on the meet-and-greet will be shared in the coming weeks.

"I am excited and hopeful as we embark on the selection process for Topeka's next police chief," said City Manager Robert Perez. "This must be a collaborative effort between the city and community, to ensure our next chief has department and community support and knows where to focus their energy. I have laid out an aggressive timeline for the selection, aiming to make the final appointment in late September or early October. I am confident this approach will help us select the best possible candidate for the job."

The survey will close on August 2nd.

Residents can access the survey at:

English Survey - https://us.openforms.com/Form/f84b9c2b-0e91-42b9-95c8-d2541e7dc54c

Encuesta en Español-https://us.openforms.com/Form/74814400-794c-44cd-9825-d903dd7476b8